DACA Support
DACA Support rally, protest
By Jorge Rennella
Thursday October 5 is the last day to renew the residence and work permit for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Karina Magaña, who arrived in the United States when she was very little, is aware of this date. She says: "I won't go because this is my home.”
Dreamers should try to renew their DACA permits before October 5, and as soon as possible.
Magana, a 21-year-old resident of Chicago, is originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. “I would be very happy if they approve soon a general amnesty that involves not just dreamers but also their families,” she says.
Dreamer Says This is Her Home
This Dreamer studies political science with a concentration in international relations at Benedictine University.
"This is my country,” she says. “I’ve lived here since age 4, this is my home. I want to be a lawyer and I would like to work in international relations, human rights and the United Nations."
The federal government stipulates that it is not accepting new applications for DACA, but it is recognizing applications submitted prior to September 5, 2017. However, there is uncertainty among DACA beneficiaries and their families because DACA could terminate before March 5, 2018, if the president and the legislature do not find a solution.
Uncertainty Among Dreamers
A fear prevails among the Dreamers and the workers in general -- I sensed this when I was calling for interviews of restaurant workers.
When I asked DACA beneficiaries if I could interview them, even without using their real names, I saw concern and fear reflected in their faces. Most refused to speak with me.
Until a brave young woman, Karina Magaña, agreed to be interviewed. Magaña has two brothers, lives with her parents, studies and works.
"I'm working at Starbucks Coffee since May. Before I worked at my school cafeteria where I acquired experience. I love the work I do here," she says. "I am the eldest of three children; I also have a sister in DACA who is studying theater at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and one younger brother who is in eighth grade.”
Two Policeman Observed Her
When asked about being afraid, Magaña replied that she only felt fear last week when two policemen came to the cafe where she works.
“While drinking the coffee they watched me,” she remembers. “They were there more than 45 minutes and I started to feel nervous as never before, until they left."
On August 28 the governor of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, signed the Trust Act, which declares that the police cannot ask about immigration status or detain people for being undocumented.
"Our officers are heroes. They are going to take care of and protect the community and will not collaborate with ICE," Rauner said in the Chicago community of La Villita at an event to witness the signing of the Trust Act.
Jorge Rennella, journalist, translator and writer based in Chicago, is part of the team at el Restaurante magazine. Cotact him at: jorge@restmex.com
Stay tuned to the development of this news and we will inform you on upcoming e-Mex.